Alistair Overeem ‘Very Happy’ To Be Back Fighting, Plans To Finish Antonio Silva At UFC 156

Former Strikeforce heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem has waited well over a year to return to the Octagon. Now, fully cleared following a failed drug test, “The Reem” is set to collide with Antonio Silva at UFC 156 on February 2.

Overeem was preparing to meet then-UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos when he tested positive levels of testosterone. He was suspended while trying to fight the test results, but received his fight license this past December.

“I am very happy, very pleased to be back,” Overeem said, during a recent conference call.

Despite having to fight again to cement his status as the No. 1 contender, Overeem is undeterred, saying, “it is just a matter of time, one more mountain to climb. To be honest, I don’t see any problem (defeating Silva), then (going for the title).”

Overeem said the pressure of competing in such a high stakes match doesn’t bother him, it only serves as more fuel.

“Every fight is the same. I need to get the job done,” Overeem stated. “I am always focused on my next battle, winning the next fight.”